Paris shopping guide

Discover Paris’s timeless shopping hubs and edgy boutiques.

Shopping in Paris

Both irresistibly charming and effortlessly refined, Paris is one of the world’s premium shopping locations. The city of lights is home to both the globally known and desired French fashion houses as well as a scattering of avant-garde boutiques. Its diversity and its timeless aesthetic are what make the French capital such an inspiring shopping haven: somewhere to explore, stop for a café crème and soak up that covetable style that Parisians do so well.

Twice a year, the city’s sartorial community is energised by Fashion Week. Attracting an international crowd of tastemakers, stars and journalists alike, Fashion Week Paris buzzes with pop ups and stores offering exclusive collaborations, plus a catwalk of street style inspiration for you to take to the shops.

Get the most out of one of the world’s main fashion capitals with our insider’s guide to its must-shop stores and stylish places to pause.

Audrey Leighton Rodgers runs the blog Be Frassy from Paris, where she has lived for three years, and has been featured in ASOS, Company, ELLE and Grazia magazines. She works as a freelance photographer and fashion writer and recently launched her own fashion line.

My five favourite stores

Manoush

A magical brand that combines Moroccan influences with French heritage, dreamed up by Frédérique Trou-Roy, a woman who envisions each piece of clothing as a voyage. With magnificent interiors and garments that are as intricate as they are beautiful, Manoush boutiques are places of pure enchantment. Best known for their celebration of bright colours and voluminous silhouettes.

Les 3 Marchés de Catherine B

Nestled in the prettiest corner of the Left Bank, you will find Catherine B’s trio of boutiques on the side streets between Saint Germain and Place Saint-Sulpice. Her small but well-stocked shops are brimming with rare vintage designer pieces from decades past. Specialising in utterly Parisian labels Hermés and Chanel, this is where to go for the most unique vintage gems in the city.

The Broken Arm

Located in the trendy North Marais (an area that Parisians have recently dubbed ‘NoMa’), The Broken Arm is the latest concept store to carve out a niche in the city. Its simple Scandinavian-style décor and carefully curated collection of brands such as Kenzo and Carven attract a hip, creative crowd. Adjacent is a café, serving up seasonal light lunches.

Jérôme Dreyfuss

The enfant terrible of French fashion, Jérôme Dreyfuss is an institution in Paris, known for his understated, elegant accessories. Famously logo free and made with exquisite craftsmanship, using only the finest materials, his handbags are practical, beautiful and adored by Parisian women of all ages. His shops are airy, light and fun – quite like the designer himself.

Maison Michel

This iconic atelier has been creating impeccable hats for the most prestigious names since 1936. With a willingness to pursue all styles, shapes and materials, Maison Michel is famous for its innovative creations. From boaters to trilbys to fascinators, headbands and even jewels for the hair, they have created a millinery world where anything is possible.

Five classic Paris shops

Galeries Lafayette

A landmark of Paris’s shopping scene, this department store is the second top tourist attraction after the Eiffel Tower. With its iconic 40-metre dome and stunning Neo-Byzantine interior, Galeries Lafayette is loved by Parisians and visitors alike. It’s home to an impressive selection of brands and multiple restaurants, not to mention a rooftop with a breathtaking view of Paris. A totally luxe shopping experience.

Chanel

The powerhouse of luxury Paris fashion, Chanel is quintessentially French and coveted by women worldwide. From its quilted ‘2.55’ bag to its classic wool jacket, the brand has stayed loyal to its heritage over the decades while still reinventing itself. A visit to the store on Rue Cambon (where founder Coco was originally based) is a must for Chanel fans.

Hermès

Established in 1837, Hermès is world renowned for its quality, handmade products. From the Birkin to the Kelly, their iconic bags and orange packaging are universally desirable. Pioneers in neckwear, its foulards, scarves and ties are distinguishable by their historic horse and carriage logo, which represents the brand’s origins as a horse saddler.

Le Bon Marché

The rive gauche’s department store of choice and the oldest in Paris. Its gorgeous interior is modern but traditional, with entire floors dedicated to specifics such as lingerie or beauty. But Le Bon Marché’s piece de resistance is its famous supermarket, La Grande Epicerie de Paris. Parisians will travel from even the farthest arrondisements to marvel at its latest delicacies.

Cartier

The king of jewellers with an impressive history of sales to royalty and celebrities, Cartier’s designs honour past eras yet remain some of the most desirable pieces today, giving the brand an almost immortal status. From elegant watches to opulent jewellery, Cartier is all about extravagance, as emphasised by its iconic location at Place Vendôme, a truly lavish square.

Where to stop when you shop

Hotel Costes

Hotel Costes has perfected the art of luxurious dining and drinking. Its proximity to the Tuileries showroom makes it a popular spot for the Fashion Week crowd, as well as for the shoppers frequenting rue Saint-Honoré. A gourmet menu and sultry interiors mark Costes out as one of the city’s most stylish establishments.

Les Philosophes

A corner café situated in the heart of the Marais area, Les Philosophes is always busy, offering simple but incredibly fresh French cuisine. From goat’s cheese salads to onion soup (and always a bread basket), it’s ideal for a quick eat or an afternoon aperitif. Its location in the ever-fashionable 4th arondissement also means some of the best people watching in the city.

Experimental Cocktail Club

This speakeasy was the first of its kind in Paris and is still the swankiest. Step inside and you will find plush seats, dark interiors and 1930s jazz music drifting through the bar. The bartenders are talented and charming, offering delicious and intriguing twists on classic cocktails. Too cool for a website, but you’ll find it at 37 rue Saint-Saveur, Paris (Opéra).

Bob’s Kitchen

The juice king of Paris, Bob’s Kitchen prides itself on its selection of wholesome, healthy options such as vegetarian stew or green smoothies. The ingredients at this tiny restaurant are totally organic and the entire menu is prepared in the early mornings. Enjoy a ‘bottomless’ pot of green tea or opt for a take-away sandwich or soup to eat somewhere scenic along your shopping route.

Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

World famous and simply delicious, Le Relais de l’Entrecote in the Saint Germain area, serves up a set menu consisting of traditional French steak frites alongside a green salad. It’s a fashion week escape, hearty food in a cosy environment. The steak sauce is worth a visit in itself: made from a secret recipe – sure to reinvigorate your afternoon shopping pursuits.

Romantic Paris: off the beaten track

It's a Paris city break, but not as you know it. If you've already enjoyed the Eiffel Tower, lingered at the Louvre and marvelled at the Moulin Rouge, you may need to delight your amour with something new.